Authors: Iris Johansen
Sam made a face. “Uh, I’ll get my things out of there. You weren’t even supposed to know about it. I meant to be out the instant I heard you were on your way back. It’ll only take a minute.”
He bounded up the stairs.
* * *
HER PHONE WAS RINGING, KENDRA
realized. She had been lying here in bed, unable to sleep after that upsetting conversation with Lynch. He probably hadn’t meant her to sleep. He had sounded pissed off when she had spoken to him and Sam. Who could blame him? She had violated the one sanctuary he allowed himself without his permission. Hell, she couldn’t please everyone, and keeping Sam safe had been more important than pleasing Lynch.
She snatched the phone from the bedside table and pressed the access.
“I’m downstairs. Buzz me in,” Lynch said. “Now.”
“Why? You told me to go back to bed. Yet here you are in the middle of the night.”
“Buzz me in, Kendra. I’m barely holding on to my control. You don’t want to test it.”
She was tempted to do just that but pressed the button instead. The she jumped out of bed, grabbed her robe, and strode to the front door.
“I know you have reason to be annoyed with me,” she said when she threw open the door. “But I don’t appreciate your growling at me. I’ve had enough trauma for one week.”
“So I’ve heard.” He came into the condo and slammed the door. “But I haven’t had an easy time of it either, so I’m not in a particularly sympathetic mood.”
He jerked her close and kissed her.
Heat. Anger. Sex.
She was too surprised to move.
Then he released her and turned toward the kitchen. “I needed that. Now I’m going to get a cup of coffee. Come on and act the polite hostess and keep me company.”
She hesitated, then trailed behind him because she didn’t know what else to do. Her lips felt warm, tingling, and her breasts were taut and ready. The response had to be because of the shock of that unexpected caress.
No, she was lying to herself. The chemistry between them had always been there, hot and sexual, like a volcanic undercurrent. An undercurrent that Kendra knew should never be acknowledged if she continued to work with Lynch. It would be a distraction.
He
would be a distraction.
“What kind of coffee do you want?” Lynch called over his shoulder as he put his cup in the automatic coffeemaker.
“I don’t want anything. I’m hoping to go back to bed.”
“That won’t happen right away. Though I’m not going to stay long.” He took his coffee to the table and sat down. “Right now, I need to drink this and have you tell me why you didn’t call and tell me what was going on with you. I didn’t hear anything until I was hopping the plane out of Luxembourg and got through to my contact in Griffin’s office. And that was damn scanty.”
“You were having your own problems. You told me so.” She sat down across from him. “How did the hostage situation turn out?”
“Touchy. Almost lost one.” He shrugged. “But I was able to negotiate my way out with him. I did have to go undercover, as I told you I might. Which is why I didn’t have access to my own phone until I got him out.”
He looked tired, she thought. His eyes were sunken, and his demeanor had that charged restlessness she had noticed was always present when he’d been stretched too far. “I’m sorry. I’m glad that it worked out.”
“So am I.” His lips tightened. “Isn’t it nice I was able to concentrate because I didn’t have to worry about you? I was relieved when I finally got my phone back. I thought for once you’d actually done something I’d asked you to do.”
She frowned. “What?”
“No wonder you’re puzzled. It never happens, does it?”
“What are you talking about?”
“I drove up to my house feeling confident, even grateful that you’d be there, safe, in a controlled environment I’d created myself. And, lo and behold, who did I find there but Super Sam, the computer man.” He took a swallow of coffee. “Interesting man but not who I expected. I thought I was coming home to you.”
“I had to find a safe place for him. I left a message for you, but you must have gone undercover already. I meant to call back, but things kept happening.” She shook her head. “But why did you believe I was there?”
“You had the key app on your phone. I received an apps text when you activated it. I thought you were doing what I asked you to do.” His eyes were glittering in his taut face. “What you should have been doing. My God, when Sam told me what you’d been through, I couldn’t believe you were still out here letting Colby take aim at you.”
“I was safe here. I changed all the locks. I’m on the alert. Besides, he doesn’t want me yet.”
“Yeah, Sam said that was the excuse you were using not to stay at my place.”
“It’s got to be over,” she said unevenly. “I can’t take any more. I have to draw him out.”
Lynch muttered a curse. “The hell you do.”
She just looked at him.
“Look, do it some other way. We’ll talk about it, explore the options, set a trap.”
“I’m doing everything I can. I just can’t have him go underground because it’s too difficult.”
“Too difficult to put your severed head on a pole?”
She smiled faintly. “Something like that.”
“Stop smiling. It’s not amusing. I can’t take this, Kendra.”
Her smile vanished. “To hell with you, Lynch. Don’t tell me what you can’t take. Earlier today, I had to see a man who’d been tortured beyond the boundaries of what a person should be able to bear because Colby decided to give his life to me as a gift. I can’t let that happen again.”
He was silent. Then he reached over and covered her hand on the table with his own. “
We
can’t let it happen again.”
Warmth. Comfort. Understanding.
She could feel her throat tighten. Don’t break down. She had held on tight so far. She couldn’t let go just because Lynch was here, and everything seemed better, safer.
“Hey, easy.” He released her hand and raised his hand to touch her cheek. “We’ll be okay. We can take care of this together. Talk to me. Tell me what’s happened. Tell me what road we’re taking to get this psychopath.”
Persuasive, fascinating, coaxing, the Puppetmaster in full force. Only now she thought she could see something deeper, less complex, more sincere. “I’m sure that Sam told you what was happening.”
“In brief, from his point of view. I want your point of view. I want to watch your face while you tell me.”
“Whatever.” She shrugged. “Not a pretty story.”
She began to speak.
It wasn’t easy, the wounds were too fresh, the memories too horrible. But she got through it without breaking down.
At least she thought she had.
“Ugly.” Lynch’s fingers touched a tear that was running down her cheek. “Very ugly.”
“Yes.” She got up and grabbed a tissue from the box on the counter. “And I can’t let Stokes die for nothing. I have to find a way to keep Colby from abusing anyone like that again.” She dabbed at her cheeks with the tissue. “So there it is. Satisfied?”
“No. I’m not satisfied.” He leaned back in the chair with his legs stretched out before him. “I wasn’t here.”
“You couldn’t have done anything.”
“Wrong. In case you’ve forgotten my reputation, I’m not paid exceptionally well for sitting twiddling my thumbs.” He frowned thoughtfully. “And it seems first on the agenda is locating Colby’s pet computer expert. You say you were going to contact SDPD to help?”
“It seemed a good idea. Even though the police and the FBI will want to run their own show, and I thought it might be dangerous.”
“They will, and it would,” Lynch said. “I’ll handle it. I have contacts both in law enforcement and the underbelly of the criminal hierarchy. I’ll tap Zackoff for info on his contacts in the computer field. I’m sure that he has an amazing collection in every category. We should be able to get it done.”
Kendra felt a rush of relief. “How long will it take?”
He shook his head. “I’ll work fast, but it will take as long as it takes.” He paused. “But I won’t be stalled by having to worry about you. That would get in my way, and I’m not having it.”
She stiffened. “I told you that—”
“You told me you intend to play the sacrificial goat waiting for the tiger. Ain’t gonna happen. We’ll work something else out.”
“You’re giving me orders.”
“Would I do that? I’m telling you that your being here and not at my house will cause me to constantly keep an eye on you. Which would result in a slowdown to any attempt to go forward. Is that what you want?”
“No.” She thought about it. She wasn’t sure that he wasn’t manipulating her, but there was a possibility that it might be true. Lynch was very protective, and she didn’t wish him to have to juggle priorities. “It might be possible.”
“Good.” He finished his coffee. “Go and dress. Pack up a suitcase and any evidence or info that you have. Then we’ll be out of here.”
“Right now? There’s no rush at the moment. You go on home. I’ll come in the morning.”
“It’s morning now—4:22
A.M.
” He grinned. “Stop stalling. I’m not leaving until you walk out that door with me.”
And he wouldn’t do it, either, she thought ruefully. As long as she’d already acceded to the demand, she might as well give in on this point. “Okay, but I’ll follow you. I want my own car.”
“Of course you do. I’m not trying to keep you prisoner.”
“I wouldn’t put it past you,” she said dryly. “Just don’t try to put an ankle manacle on me.”
“Perish the thought.” His gaze traveled down her bare legs to her ankles, then her feet. “But it’s very tempting. You have very sexy ankles, and I’ve always liked to see you barefoot. I can remember when you were staying with me after we found out that Colby might be alive. I always looked forward to seeing you pad around, digging your toes in the carpet—”
“Weird. If I’d realized you had a foot fetish, I would have been more careful. I’m glad you let me know.”
He sighed. “Talking nether extremities, I’ve just shot myself in the foot.”
“Yes. Better than putting a bullet in my friend, Sam.” She headed for the door. “I’ll be ready to go in fifteen minutes.”
* * *
“DOES THAT SUITCASE MEAN WHAT
I think it does?” Beth opened the door as Lynch and Kendra approached. She was fully dressed in jeans and shirt though it was only a little before five. She glanced at Lynch. “You’re Adam Lynch? You should have gotten here sooner if you have that kind of clout with her. We’ve been trying to get her to come ever since she brought Sam here.”
“No clout. I merely appealed to her reason. I assume you’re Beth Avery.” He shook her hand. “Welcome to my home. Or should that be your line?”
She chuckled. “Sam said you were a trifle annoyed that we’d invaded your space. He had to come upstairs and wake me and tell me about it. It sounds like a priceless encounter. I was sorry I missed it when you had him at gunpoint.”
“I’m not,” Kendra said as she closed the door. “You would probably have tried to put Lynch down, and that wouldn’t have been wise. He’s no Bubba, either.”
Beth was gazing appraisingly at Lynch. “I can see that.” She smiled. “It’s lucky that I wasn’t tested. But it might have been interesting. I’ve heard a good deal about you from Kendra, Lynch. And I’ve learned more just by living in your house. I hope you’ll forgive us for intruding.”
He shrugged. “It’s over. You’re no longer an intruder. You’re now guests. I’m delighted to meet you. Both Zackoff and Kendra shared a few interesting stories regarding your rather unique character.”
“Unique. Is that a synonym for weird?” Beth didn’t wait for an answer but turned to Kendra. “I’m glad you decided to come. I need someone to help keep Sam in line. Ever since Griffin got his Quantico computer wonder guy to work with Sam, he’s been slaving night and day to try to get a clear line to Colby. Sims is very sharp, and I think it’s becoming a competition thing.”
“Could be,” Kendra said. “He always has to be best.”
“It sounds like he needs a distraction.” Lynch turned and headed for the office. “I’ll see what I can do to give it to him.”
Beth smiled as she watched him disappear into the office. “A powerhouse,” she murmured. “It’s no wonder he was able to whisk you back here.”
“As he said, he used reason.” She wrinkled her nose. “And the faintest tinge of blackmail.”
“A powerhouse,” Beth repeated as she started for the stairs. “Come on. I’ll show you to a guest room.” She laughed. “Though you know the house far better than I do. I guess I’ve kind of taken control since I got here.”
“And I’m glad you have.” Kendra followed her upstairs. “You’ve been a godsend, helping with Sam. It lifted a giant weight off my shoulders.”
“Then I’m glad I could be here for both of you.” She stopped at a door. “Is this room okay?”
“It doesn’t matter. They’re all great. Lynch made sure of that.” She opened the door and glanced inside. Spaciousness. Luxury. Taste. “It will be fine.” She turned back to Beth. “He’s going to try to find Northrup for us, Beth.”
“I figured that might be in the cards.” Beth gave her a hug. “I’ve got a good feeling, Kendra. We’re all together and safe. We have a strong lead and smart, innovative people to follow it. Maybe the dark days are over.”
“Maybe they are.” Her arms tightened around Beth. Lord, she hoped she was right. Sunlight instead of darkness. Life instead of death. It seemed almost too much for which to hope. But Beth was hoping, and she had to follow her star. She gave her another hug and stepped back. “Just let me unpack and take a shower, then I’ll be downstairs. I didn’t get a chance to even freshen up before I left the condo. Lynch was hovering.”
“I can see how that would be distracting.” She turned back toward the stairs. “Come on down when you’re ready. I’ll start breakfast in forty minutes…”
Kendra closed the door and stood there for a moment.
Maybe the dark days are over.
Colby was the quintessence of darkness, and where he was, there would always be darkness.
But Colby was not here now. So shut him out, don’t let him make her weak and apprehensive. If she could not be positive, she could at least look forward and not back.